better 1 of 4

better

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adverb

as in more
to a greater or higher extent he knows property law better than anyone else

Synonyms & Similar Words

better

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noun

better

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word better distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of better are ameliorate, help, and improve. While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," improve and better are general and interchangeable and apply to what can be made better whether it is good or bad.

measures to further improve the quality of medical care
immigrants hoping to better their lot

When might ameliorate be a better fit than better?

The synonyms ameliorate and better are sometimes interchangeable, but ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure.

tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

When can help be used instead of better?

The words help and better can be used in similar contexts, but help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement.

a coat of paint would help that house

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of better
Adjective
On Tuesday Biden touted increases in Border Patrol staffing and also increased fentanyl seizures at the border, which officials have said shows that apprehension is getting better. Adam Shaw, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2023 The White House, ahead of the speech, paired police reform with bringing down violence, suggesting that giving police better training tools could lead to less crime nationwide. Zeke Miller and, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Feb. 2023
Adverb
In related news, Emma Foehringer Merchant wrote a fascinating story for Undark about researchers creating a repository of birds and bats killed at solar and wind farms, to better understand why they’re getting killed and how to prevent it. Sammy Rothstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2023 Last year, the office held listening sessions in Grove Hall, Roxbury, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain to better understand the needs of women and gender-expansive individuals. Tiana Woodard, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Feb. 2023
Noun
That those women and men who died to end slavery, to win basic rights, to win the vote, to dethrone monarchs and destroy the ancien régime, to fight Czarism and fascism and Nazism and imperialism and apartheid, were in some way our moral betters. Jack Sheehan september 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025 Her Canadian Open title win showcased the teenager’s ability to keep calm and carry on when elders and betters are losing their heads. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
Woods has created a group called Theathelight, which trains young athletes to better themselves on and off the field. Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026 Nothing betters the gift of time. Brie Stimson , Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adjective
  • What remains, the thick, black, and dense oil, required special techniques to be brought to the surface.
    Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • But even then, the federal government gets special protection.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 25 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • According to scientific research, many mushrooms have stress-relieving, adaptogenic qualities that may help the mind and body handle daily pressures more effectively, Goodwin adds.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Following the money Over the past few years, auction houses and art fairs have tried to follow the money, focusing their efforts in Asia and, more recently, the Middle East.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Since the operation that captured Maduro, numerous generals have effectively disappeared, failing to report to their units or communicate with superiors.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
  • In Humphrey Cobb’s 1935 novel about a trio of French soldiers condemned to death at random by their cowardly superiors, Kubrick found a perfect vessel for his obsessions.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • After killing a penalty early in the middle frame, Minnesota pulled even with another man-advantage goal when Joel Eriksson Ek snapped in the rebound of a Kaprizov shot.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Perry dribbled into a 15-footer in the short corner to help UCLA build a double-digit advantage at halftime.
    Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • FactSet data shows that 76% of the companies that have already posted earnings have exceeded estimates.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Snow totals exceeded 6 inches along the Red River, with isolated amounts of 9 to 11 inches reported in Cooke and Grayson counties, among the highest accumulations seen in North Texas in recent years.
    Sergio Candido, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The Carolina Panthers’ defense improved in almost every major statistical category from 2024 to 2025.
    Mike Kaye January 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Tapascott said everything improves when weight drops, from acceleration to braking and efficiency.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The event will focus on wisdom and wellness, featuring engaging speakers, meaningful conversations, and breathtaking coastal views paired with exceptional cuisine, according to a news release.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Largely fueled by another exceptional showing in net from Duxbury native Ainsley Tuffy (46 saves), Harvard returned to Women’s Beanpot supremacy by beating Boston University in overtime, 2-1, in the tournament final.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Its Blackwell architecture sets the standard for raw performance, and its software ecosystem with CUDA remains a formidable competitive edge.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Yang Minghan, a crew member of the Zunyi, said in the report that the Type 055 is a new-type destroyer equipped with a host of advanced new systems, boasting cutting-edge performance.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 23 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

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